DS(12) not allowed to walk home because of the lightening

[FrancineSmith]

DS has just finished a sports fixture at school and phoned me to say I need to pick him up as the PE department won't let him walk home now because of the lightening. He walks to and from school every day (it's less than a mile away). We have a storm literally just beginning - thunder, a few flashes and rain has started as I type this. I was going to suggest I picked him up anyway, but AIBU to think it's a bit nuts not to let him go because of the weather? And what if I didn't have a car? Are they overreacting, or am I a cruel and heartless mother?

They are completely overreacting

If he were to be struck by lightening, you may want to buy a lottery ticket.

I have been hit by lightning so I'm probably biased but yeah, go pick him up. A Car is a faraday cage and this safer. The chances of anything happening to him are minute, but they were for me as well.

They are being ridiculous, what about parents without a car?!

It is very, very wet here. The storm is almost overhead and there is lots of lightening.

If you have similar weather, I'm sure he will appreciate being picked up.

They may be overreacting although 2 children and their father are seriously ill today in Northern Ireland after being hit by lightening
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-36464969

Perhaps they heard about the people in NI?

I know 2 teenagers who were struck by lightening, one has since died so whilst they maybe overreacting there is a reason

Walking home in lightening can be a bit scary and unnerving. Plus if you're in London area there's been flash flooding so they may be taking that into account as well.

There'll be plenty enough parents with a car to get all the kids home. Of course they're overreacting, but it's their call I suppose.

PS - lightning doesn't have an 'e' in it. Lightening means something else

Or of course it might just be DS trying it on?

" Plus if you're in London area there's been flash flooding so they may be taking that into account as well."

If there's flash flooding and roads are closed, they're hardly going to recommend that parents of secondary school age pupils add to the traffic by going to get them, are they?

If it's unsafe to travel - which it may be due to lightning - then "come and pick up" is not an appropriate reaction, a phone call, with "DS will be late leaving because of the weather" is an appropriate response.

If they were that concerned they should have cancelled the sports fixture.

Many parents wouldn't be able to just leave what they were doing (work/with a sibling at another activity/caring for elderly relative etc)

Four people were hit by lightning in Northern Ireland this afternoon. Some critical condition. Pick him up. People do get hit by lightening.

Lightening is dangerous to walk in. You are earthed in a car.

Ridiculous.
Lightning is nothing new.

Anyone else remember the videos we used
To be shown in schools about keeping saving - when it's lighting - crossing roads - pylons- train tracks etc

I think I mean the opposite..anyhow you are safe inside a vehicle.

If you are able then I'd pick him up. I know someone who was killed by lightening last year so unless it's absolutely necessary, I wouldn't be walking in it. It's more common to be struck than you think.

And what would happen if you are at work and can't come and collect him?

It's just a bit of rain.

I thought lightning only hits the highest point in it's location, is your son is exceptionally tall?

When I was a child lightning struck the tv aerial on our chimney pot and set the roof on fire, also earthed via the wire fron the aerial and exploded the tv. We had to get out and wait for the fire service in our pjs getting soaked.

Btw walking with some lightening is dangerous if you are the highest point. I doubt this will be the case in a town center, surrounded by buildings pylons etc etc. There will some much better conductors around to 'attract' the Lightning than a person.

Shatners - thank you!!! Thought I had been spelling it wrong my whole life.
Oh and YANBU OP.